Cecil Bacon (one of our members) has kindly allowed the transcription of the hand-written memoirs of his grandfather for the church magazine. In doing this work I have tried to keep the punctuation and capitalisation as it was in the original for realism. Not that it needs any embellishing, for the stories themselves leave one amazed at the zeal and endurance of these early Methodist preachers.
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After 7 years apprenticeship, I left my situation in the same office, (at a salary of 24/- a week) and had several days in which to further prepare for the Primitive Methodist Ministry, and to take leave of my Christian Friends.
My
first Circuit was Leicester 2nd, where I resided with my Superintendent,
at that time a thoughtful earnest minister of the Gospel. His advice in relation
to Study and Christian work was valuable. My salary was 12/6 a week here. I
preached first at Countesthorpe April 13/62, walked 7 miles, preached twice,
held Teachers Meeting and a prayer Meeting, and visited 3 families then walked
to Leicester.
One Sunday Morning 5 local Brethren went with me to Ratby. (Our society there had suffered much and was drooping) We missioned the village. Mr. Lawrence (the Father of T. Lawrence, our Treasurer of the African Missions) shouted in the Streets, "there are 6 of us come from Leicester to storm Delhi, (it was towards the Close of the Indian Mutiny) and between now and 9 o'clock tonight summat will ha' to give way". That morning we had to close service by a prayer meeting and before we returned that evening, 35 souls found Jesus.
Summary of work by me in 62 weeks. 258 Sermons preached. 103 Public Meetings, Sunday School addresses, and Class Meetings. 73 Increase of Members. Quarterly Salary £4.10.0. Board and lodgings £3.10.0.
In July I removed to Ilkeston where I lodged with a very Kind family, and it was in every respect a home. My Superintendent was 1 of an old fashioned School.
He was very witty, and in possession of a large Stock of anecdotes. He however talked direct to the Consciences and hearts of Sinners. In this circuit in 1 year, I only knew of 24 persons deciding to serve Christ, in meetings which I held.
My 3rd Station was Boston where I remained 3 years. I went to that place under some apprehension of the Ague, for several of our Ministers had suffered much in Lincolnshire fens, thro' that disease. My Superintendent, a strong man, had a severe attack. The heat is often very great in Summer, with damp exhalations from the numerous drains towards Sunset, sometimes (especially in Autumn) accompanied by effluvia from the rank vegetation. The Members were very kind and generous; and by the blessing of God, and a moderate amount of Carefulness, I escaped the Ague, not only in that Station but in several others. The hand of Providence was plainly seen in my 2nd year at Boston. The Yearly Chapel anniversary public Meeting was fixed and planned for the usual Monday Evening. About a fortnight prior to that day, the Circuit Committee postponed the Meeting, in order for both the Ministers to hold a Special Service in a very small Chapel 6 miles out of Town (Benington Seas End). On arriving in Town that Evening, some one Shouted, "Your Chapel has fallen down". It seems that about half 9 p.m. (just when we were to have been holding the Meeting in Boston) the ceiling and part of the roof and spars fell; the larger number of spars fell just over the Pulpit and the Singer's Pew. The falling of the Spars was the result of bad work some years previous, but our Salvation was of the Lord.
It was said by a profane person that the accident was in consequence of my Superintendent's very powerful voice the day previous.
It was also said by I, that in as much as some heavy spars to fell over a pew where 2 men usually sat, who were backsliders and who were too fond of intoxicating liquor, that Satan danced on the ceiling to hurry those men into eternity the day previous, but that he miscalculated the strength of the material. What a blessing if he Knows as little as herein represented!
Once my Superintendent was driving a young Horse, and in turning the Corner of the bridge into the Market, the wheels scraped on the boulders and the Horse ran away, he in the Meantime, Shouting ‘"Stop it". However, altho' it afterwards turned Suddenly round to run home, we reached the village in Safety.
While residing in Boston, I enjoyed Several pleasant trips on 'the Packet' to the Sea; in some 2 or 3 instances to spend the day on a Sand bank. The people would gather quantities of Muscles, Cockles and periwinkles. These trips gave a good opportunity of watching the crew cast and weigh anchor, take vessels in tow. etc.
About 54 persons professed to find peace with God, in Meetings which I held. 79 increase of Members in 3 years.
During My stay in Boston I passed My examination and finished my probation, for which I heartily praised God. But the Strain of work for that, and the Circuit, brought on inflammation of the Brain. The Doctor said If I recovered, I should never preach again. In this, he was mistaken, tho' I had to give up all branches of Study but the Bible, and making Sermons, it being my 3rd year in that Circuit.
This affliction and semi-deafness, seriously hindered me in Public life in many ways.
I next removed to Mansfield Circuit, as a Married Man; but only had part of a House provided for me. Here I had the pleasure of receiving a goodly number of young people into our church, many of whom yet remain.
On re-visiting Sutton-in-Ashfield (for special sermons) Mr. J. Pickard took me out with several of his Children, and driving down hill from Sutton to Mansfield with a Splendid Young Horse, in endeavouring to miss the weighing Machine, the Wheel Caught a cart drawn by a very Contented Ass, the driver of the Ass was lifted onto its back; both shafts of our conveyance immediately broke, and the Horse galloped away, Kicking as he went; fell and tore the flesh from the front of its legs, and had to be shot. Providently no one was injured, except Mr. P.'s little boy, whose hand was slightly cut.
In Mansfield Circuit, during 2 years I held nearly 10 meetings per week, yet I had the sorrow of a small decrease in our Membership. My dear wife conducted a very successful class of young women in Sutton.
I next removed to Lincoln 2nd, where Success again Crowned my labors. A young man collected for our Missions and annually filled 2 missionary boxes and nearly filled a 3rd. Missionary meetings were the great Meetings of the Year. I have seen the aisle of a Country Chapel Crowded, and the door wide open, and persons Standing round the door, in the Month of Feb.
In this Circuit a Mr. Hobson (about 24 years of age) was returning from a Missionary Meeting during very heavy rain with a Farmer named G. When they reached a flood. The Farmer's shin at that time was out of order, so to keep it dry, he mounted the Young Man's shoulders. They went very well until arriving about Knee deep, when the Young man began to tremble under the load, and they both fell into the flood. They hastened to Mr G's Home, and put on dry suits and spent an enjoyable evening together.
In this Circuit, I met with a man named L.als, who was Certain he had discovered the secret of ‘'perpetual Motion'; but being too poor to take out a patent, and not sufficiently generous to reveal the Secret; it appears to have gone with him to perpetually accompany him in the Spirit world. In the better land there is at any rate, less friction.
In Lincoln 2nd we had preached in houses over 40 years at Hemswell, I had the pleasure of obtaining land (with the assistance of Mr Andrews) and building a good Chapel. So nobly did the Friends labor and give that in about 4 years it was nearly out of debt. We were greatly helped by a M. L. Preacher named Peach. I assisted him in study. He entered our ministry and became a B.D. and L.L.D. He died Dec 1912.
Increase, 89 Members.
Thence I removed to labor among the Miners and Potters of Church Gresley. During 3 years land was obtained for 2 Chapels, 1 village was missioned, and another re-missioned, 2 school rooms were built, and 2 Chapels altered. My increase of Members was 54.
In this station for a while, there was a party spirit. I went to hold a Circuit Committee Meeting, in which I expected no good from discussion. The Brethren were all absent about 10 minutes past time, so I passed the business and returned home.
At Freiston Shore during our holiday, My wife and I went out in a boat, and the men nearly upset the boat, the people on shore watching, said we were drowned, and what would our 2 little Children do? But God preserved our lives.
On my removal from Church Gresley, the Circuit officials presented me an illuminated address, and a purse of money. Mrs. B's class, which under her care, and largely by family visiting, had increased from 9 to 29, presented her a beautiful work box.
During 3 years in Clay Cross Circuit, among the miners, I did much open air work, and temperance work. Great advantages accrued to the larger Societies by paying Special attention to week evening Bible Classes for elder Scholars and young men. One I conducted in the Town nearly 3 Years. A goodly number of those persons are now Teachers, Local Preachers etc.
Increase of Members 119. Land bought at Pilsley and paid for (about £100) and 2 School Rooms built and the Chapel repaired and a gallery inserted at Stonebroom.
Our next residence was in the delightful Town of Burton. The air is unusually cold but remarkably dry and healthful; and most of our Members were very generous, Considerate and industrious. Also a lack of co-operation of several officials. Burton is not a Cheap place for a family. Vegetables, Poultry, and Fish are very dear, But most excellent Milk and Cheese really Cheap.
Increase only 4; partly due thro my Wife's illness, preventing her doing much.
In
Boston a 2nd time. In Boston Coal is dear, and garden produce is
remarkably cheap. Open air work was very frequent.
Holiness Meetings did good. But I fear several greatly damaged the good work
by their inconsistency. I cannot but think several mistook fluency and Conceit
for
the power of holiness. So cleverly does Satan blind men's minds.
My eldest son fell out of a Boat into the haven (the sea side of the Sluice) in October; the Boys pulled him in and he did not even take Cold. Thank God.
Increase of members, 36.
In Horncastle Circuit, I found 3 Chapels closed, and the Interest on their debts in arrears. I had our Town Band of Hope Meetings, finances, and Annual gathering entirely in my own Care. I taught it on Friday Evenings. The Circuit was 22 miles across, and had 20 places for 2 ministers; my second being a Probationer. There were 3 ministers until I was appointed.
Decrease 44, in 2 years, nearly all accounted for by removals.
The only Chapel I have sold was in Horncastle Station, and it had been Closed about 5 years. We paid the Man's Principal, and Interest thereon. Sold 1 since then.
Spilsby Circuit (a mission until I went to it) was a pleasant change after the Slavish toil and anxiety of Horncastle. Small Societies and few of them. Very easy Circuit to work and to manage; but very poor. While here I had the honor of election to the office of Secretary of the District Meeting at Lincoln, for a Lincoln and Grimsby District.
In 2 years was blessed with an increase of 30 members. I had most of the Chapels repaired and painted. Sorry that in about 4 years afterwards, it was broken up by Conference, and most of it given to other Circuits.
In July 1885, removed to Belper, where I spent 3 years. A hard Circuit to travel. Part of it went since to form Ashbourne Circuit. Here I had very great anxieties both in the work, and in my own family. Not the least was the rather sudden death of my eldest Son, 18 years of age. God my Comforter, knoweth Wounds which Earth and its Peoples Cannot heal (but may cause) the mind must bear, in dependence on Him.
I noted a remarkable providential escape from injury. One Sunday in 1887, a young man was taking 4 of us Preachers to our far away places, with a large horse, when soon after I got in the Conveyance, and we were going down hill at a good trot, without any warning, a Shaft broke (the shaft was much injured previously, unknown to the owner) close to the Conveyance, 2 of us were thrown out, but the Horse immediately stood still, and no one was injured beyond a little grazing of the skin.
In all my trials, my youngest Son, Charles Thomas, has in this place, been to one a Source of joy; by his Constant love.
Decrease of members 13. I credentialled 28 and received 13, Increase really of 2.
In
1888, I was Stationed by the Conference at Ramshorn as 2nd Preacher
(as I requested to be second); but before I could remove, the Tunstall District
Committee appointed me to Superintend Hadnall near Shrewsbury. It is a pretty
village, and the Circuit had 16 places for 1 Minister, some of them 9,10 and
even 11 miles away, and next to no help by Train. It is at least 20 miles
across. Tolerably good house; (very good garden, cost me £1). A cabbage
8 lbs weight with outside leaves. Cauliflower 3 lbs.
My trials were great during 6 months. Men may misunderstand; but God knoweth the heart.
On getting into a conveyance; the young horse suddenly backed as I lifted my foot; I fell on my feet between its hind legs and the trap; and the horse stood quite still while I climbed up. It was a very restive young animal. Truly God alone preserved my life.
Loss by deaths 15, loss excess credentials 44 (total 59), yet 9 increase and 10 Catechumen (note: Christian convert under instruction before baptism Æ O.E.D) Inc. 12 left as a reserve.
1 increase in Sunday School, 13 inc Teachers, 31 inc. Scholars: 12 guineas inc. School funds. £6/15/8 inc. each year in Missionary money over 1887.
5 Chapels repaired and painted. 3 sets new lamps etc. etc.
Thanks be unto God, who gave Success in Spite of a clique whose Conduct was as an Iceberg.
Dec 1889, I accepted the unanimous invitation of Whitchurch Circuit as 2nd Minister, their superintendent telling them I wished to give up superintending. It was Confirmed by the District Meeting. But the Conference appointed me to be Superintendent. I must be content, tho' I did wish for more time to Study my library. Whitchurch has 21 places on the Plan, up to 14 miles from Town. Found several most excellent Homes as those of Mrs. Sadler, Mrs. James, Mrs. Hall, Mrs. Willet, Mrs. Hughes. Sorry to have had to report 10 decrease. This was positively thro' certain men's opposition.
July 1892, removed to Presteign, most delightful scenery. Difficult to walk in Winter. Messrs. Napper, Nott, P. Davies, Cole, very true and Kind. The less revealed of some others, the better for them and God's cause. The conduct of youths and Boys in Presteign, at my Bible class was extremely rude.
This Circuit reported an increase of 13. I visited very many.
July 1894, Removed to W'hampton I Circuit. Dreadfully poor Circuit. Extremely Smoky etc. etc. I feel very much the loss of the fields with pure air, beautiful birds and flowers. But thank God Souls are being Saved; tho' I find the Devil at work in my Societies.
I feel less able to bear travelling, or anxiety. I am looking alone to Jesus. I am often very lonely, amid crowds.
Neither increase nor decrease in this Circuit.
July 1896, removed to Dawley Circuit. It is too much dominated by about 3 or 4 persons. The young men and youths are the favorites with one in this Circuit. Beautiful Scenery about Beckbury, Norton, Ryton. Madeley is 3½ miles off, our House at Dawley. The vicar very friendly with me. Rev Lester and I worked hard to form a Free Ch. Council. A few of us raised about £33 to mend and paint Dawley Chapel. Increase 9.
July
1898, to Rhondda 1st afterwards Called Rhondda. In midst of about 5
months Strike of South Wales Colliers. Opposed at Conference by letter because I
was not a young man. Yet I remained 4 years, and the officials said "God sent me".
Never had more official work in a Circuit; work of a difficult and sometimes
unique Character.
But never have any efforts to assist young persons, and especially Local Preachers, been more blest; and actually received with more real gratitude, and in no circuit have I had better principal officers.
Altho' the June Quarterly Meeting retained 84 good Members in reserve; yet I had the great joy of an increase in this my last Station of 94 members, and many under 14 years. My dear Wife did most excellent service as a Class Leader of persons under 21 years of age; also as a family visitor.
Glory be to God, for this abundant Mercy, this Sustaining grace, and this Providential deliverances these 40 years of my Ministry.
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